De Young Museum Tours

Exploring the unique architecture and scenic views at De Young Museum in San Francisco, California
Visit to De Young Museum in San Francisco showcasing modern architecture and vibrant surroundings
Exploration of art and culture at De Young Museum in San Francisco California
De Young Museum interior showcasing modern architecture and art exhibits in San Francisco, California
Stunning palm trees line the pathway in front of De Young Museum in San Francisco on a clear day


This famous fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park was founded in the 19th century and boasts a collection dating back to the 1600s.

The de Young Museum is one of the most visited art museums in North America. Opened in 1895, it showcases a vast collection of art, textiles and costumes predominantly from the Americas, the Pacific and Africa.

Major earthquakes have taken their toll on this area through the years, and the museum was renovated in 2005. Now, the more modern structure is complete with a 144-foot (44-meter) tower that’s a prominent part of the San Francisco skyline.

A stroll through the de Young is like a tour through the history of American painting. Don't miss works by iconic American artists such as John Copley, Frederick Church and Thomas Hovenden. Also look out for a famous son of the Bay Area, Japanese-American painter Chiura Obata. He’s one of many whose works celebrate great Californian art.

Take the time to view the de Young textile collection, one of the largest in the United States. Exhibits include Turkmen carpets and 12th-century Asian silks through to modern garments designed by Dior and Chanel.

De Young Museum is located in the heart of the Golden Gate Park, within easy reach of the rest of the city. There’s paid parking available nearby and limited spaces on the surrounding streets. Take the San Francisco Municipal bus (MUNI) to Golden Gate Park to receive a discount on adult entry to the museum. The Golden Gate shuttle bus stops at the museum and other attractions within the park. Another good way to get to the museum is to rent a bike, which will also make it easier to explore the rest of the park.

The de Young is open Tuesday through Sunday with doors kept open later on Friday evenings from March until November. The museum is closed on major holidays.

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Reviews of De Young Museum

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The cafe has excellent food - lots of interesting choices.

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Best Lodging Options Near De Young Museum

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Stanyan Park Hotel

Stanyan Park Hotel

3 out of 5
750 Stanyan Street, San Francisco, CA
Stanyan Park Hotel
Sunset Edwardian Bed and Breakfast at Golden Gate Park

Sunset Edwardian Bed and Breakfast at Golden Gate Park

2 out of 5
1471 18th Ave, San Francisco, CA
Sunset Edwardian Bed and Breakfast at Golden Gate Park
My Rosegarden Guest Rooms

My Rosegarden Guest Rooms

2 out of 5
75 20th Ave, San Francisco, CA
My Rosegarden Guest Rooms
The Laurel Inn, part of JdV by Hyatt

The Laurel Inn, part of JdV by Hyatt

3 out of 5
444 Presidio Ave, San Francisco, CA
The Laurel Inn, part of JdV by Hyatt
Monte Cristo Bed and Breakfast

Monte Cristo Bed and Breakfast

3 out of 5
600 Presidio Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Monte Cristo Bed and Breakfast
The Metro Hotel

The Metro Hotel

2.5 out of 5
319 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA
The Metro Hotel
The Hotel Castro San Francisco

The Hotel Castro San Francisco

2.5 out of 5
4230 18th St, San Francisco, CA
The Hotel Castro San Francisco
Casa Loma Hotel

Casa Loma Hotel

2 out of 5
610 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA
Casa Loma Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near De Young Museum

The De Young Museum in San Francisco is a must-visit for art lovers, featuring a rich collection of American art, photography, and textiles. Nearby, you can enjoy stunning sunsets and explore vibrant shopping areas. The museum also offers theater options, making it a perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in culture and creativity while experiencing the beauty of the surrounding Golden Gate Park.

Shopping

Ghirardelli Square, located 4.8km from De Young Museum, offers a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Boudin Bakery, 6.4km away, is perfect for tasty treats, while Winery Collective, also 6.4km away, showcases fine wines for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, consider exploring additional shopping options in the area.

Recreation

Oracle Park, a vibrant sports stadium, offers thrilling game-day experiences just 6.4km from the De Young Museum. For music lovers, the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, located 4.8km away, hosts lively concerts. Nearby, the Presidio Golf Course invites you to enjoy outdoor sports just 1.6km from the museum.

Adventure

The Coastal Trail, located 3.2km from the De Young Museum, offers a breathtaking hiking experience with stunning outdoor scenery. For winter fun, the Union Square Ice Rink, 6.4km away, provides a delightful skating adventure. Enjoy the Perimeter Road, 9.7km from the museum, for an invigorating outdoor exploration.

Nightlife

Enjoy a romantic evening at the Orpheum Theatre, just 4.8km from De Young Museum, showcasing captivating performances. For a family-friendly outing, visit the Morrison Planetarium, only 322m away, offering stunning shows. Don't miss the Castro Theatre, 3.2km away, perfect for a cinematic experience.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near De Young Museum

When visiting the De Young Museum in San Francisco, immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring nearby urban parks and historic colleges. Perfect for families and culture enthusiasts, you can enjoy a variety of attractions, including the California Academy of Sciences and other top sights. Additionally, consider staying at nearby hotels for a convenient museum experience and easy access to the best attractions around the area.

  • Golden Gate Park: This expansive urban park, located 966m from the De Young Museum, offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for families. Explore its beautiful gardens, serene lakes, and numerous walking trails that showcase the natural beauty of San Francisco.
  • Golden Gate Bridge: Just 4.8km away, this iconic historic bridge is a must-see. Immerse yourself in the cultural significance of this engineering marvel while taking in breathtaking views of the bay and city skyline.
  • University of San Francisco: Located 1.6km from the museum, this modern university boasts stunning architecture and a lively campus atmosphere, making it a great spot to experience the city's educational spirit.

Best time to go to De Young Museum

The best time to visit De Young Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around De Young Museum falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around De Young Museum falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April55.8°F (13.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June62.1°F (16.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August64.2°F (17.9°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
September64.9°F (18.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
October62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November56.1°F (13.4°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for De Young Museum

To save money on your trip to the De Young Museum in San Francisco, consider visiting in February or November to December when hotel prices are generally lower. Fridays are the cheapest days to stay, while Tuesdays tend to be the most expensive. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates and filter results by price and eco-friendly options. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights, accommodations, and activities for better savings. Don’t forget to explore free activities in Golden Gate Park, where the museum is located, to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around De Young Museum are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around De Young Museum is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around De Young Museum is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy to tailor your travel experience by allowing you to set your budget and preferred location, among other options. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations that you can book with confidence.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the De Young Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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